Laxman Rao

Delhi resident Laxman Rao writes, publishes, and sells his books. The book sale at his tea shop alone gives him around Rs 8,000 a month

No one would guess looking at this chaiwallah in his makeshift roadside shop — the one with an old tin kettle and crusty chai glasses — that he inhabits another world of reading and writing as well. Laxman Rao has written 24 novels, published 12, and is now pursuing a Master’s degree.